Medical Science

Biochemistry of Cell Function (double)

The module considers the biochemistry of eukaryotic cells with an emphasis on mammalian tissues. Using several approaches, we will explore the biochemistry of eukaryotic cells, including the chemical nature of the compounds that are involved in cellular processes. Examples of diseases caused by failures in these processes reinforce understanding and provide relevance and application.  The module emphasises relationships between events at the cellular level and at the systemic level, building a clear picture of the importance of biochemical events in human health and disease. In addition, some of the most relevant biomedical diagnostic techniques will be discussed.

Genetics

Recent advances in molecular biology techniques have produced an abundance of knowledge about the genomes of organisms, including our humans. An understanding of the basic concepts of genetics – that is, of heredity and the variation of inherited characteristics – is essential for us to understand and explore this exciting and rapidly expanding area of science.  Teaching and learning approaches in this module will build on basic understanding of inheritance, genetics and genome structures that are introduced in the 1st year module Cell Biology & Genetics. We have a particular focus on genetic analysis, and our dedicated computing lab will allow you to get to grips with some of the basic tools available to do this.

Integrated Physiology (double)

This double module focuses on the integrated functions of systems physiology.  The module builds on the content of the 1st year module Human Structure and Function, exploring integrated physiological functions and responses to physiological disturbances involving the respiratory, cardiovascular and renal systems. We will look at how these systems interact to meet the special challenges of extreme environments or situations such as high altitude, diving, hot or cold environments and the prenatal environment.

Molecular Biology

During this module we will explore the many ways in which our genes are controlled mutated and repaired. We will study how chromosomes are organised, and how that organisation influences the production of the proteins they encode.  We will review the story of the human genome project, we’ll consider the mutation and repair of our DNA, and how our knowledge of genomes and genome sequences can be used in medical and forensic settings. You’ll learn about the processes of recombinant DNA technology and you’ll work in the labs over the course of the module to clone a gene using some of the core methods of molecular biology.

Research Methods in Healthcare Sciences

This module is designed to provide a background to the endeavour of scientific research, and forms a fundamental stage in your development as a bioscientist.  Research moves forward through the application of the scientific method, helping us to design suitable experiments to investigate relationships among natural phenomenon, or to solve a medical or technical problem. A number of important concepts and practices are required for performing research in such a way that the results are reliable and meaningful.  These will be explored within the module, building on your earlier learning and preparing you for your own research project, which is part of your final year.  

You’ll begin to work with a research scientist during this module, who will steer your research project. They will suggest reading, discuss the background and goals of your project, and support you through the course of the experimental work and data analysis over the following year. 

Cellular Pathology

This module offers a study of the development and application of analytical techniques used in histology and cytology. It includes techniques for distinguishing between normal and diseased cells and tissue components, using coloured dyes and immunohistological techniques. The structure of normal cells and tissues is related to their function, and a range of common and/or important will be studied with a view to selecting the appropriate methods required to identify and demonstrate particular pathologies. Future trends and quality issues within the discipline will also be explored.

Haematology and Immunology

This is a module of two halves, each dedicated to an important arm of blood diseases, with emphasis on the modern approaches to diagnosis of red and white blood cell disorders.  The haematology content will cover the basic concepts of red blood cell blood development and disorders and will consider the science of blood transfusions. During the immunology section you will learn about the different white blood cell types that function as our formidable immune system.  Cells of both the innate and acquired immunity will be explored, including the incredible T cells and B cells which form the main barrier to infectious diseases.

Microbiology

The module considers the structures, metabolism, regulatory signals, replication and growth exhibited by microorganisms. You will be introduced to a number of examples of microbes, including viruses, bacteria and protozoa, particularly those that are pathogenic in humans. The interaction and impact of microbes with humans will be considered, along with an introduction to the challenges facing medical interventions against pathogenic microbes in different parts of the world. 

You will learn how to work safely in a Category 2 microbiology containment laboratory, where you will plan and execute a series of simple experimental procedures that are important for the diagnosis of common bacterial species. You will practise aseptic techniques, and apply a core virological method – the plaque assay - to address an experimental question with your classmates.

Professional Placement

During the second year of your course you will have the opportunity to register your interest in extending your course to four years by taking the following year (your 3rd year) as a sandwich placement in a relevant professional role. The placement module allows you to remain registered as a student during your sandwich year, and supports your continued academic development whilst in the workplace. You will gain insight into various aspects of work within a professional setting and you’ll develop new practical and career-supporting skills.

Although Oxford Brookes will support you academically during your placement year, you will need to organise the placement yourself – this might include applying for nationally- or locally-advertised placements or searching for suitable host companies.  You’ll need to fund any associated expenses (e.g. accommodation, travel) for your placement. You will be given help and advice how to think and go about this in your 1st year. 

Evidence-Based Medicine & Diagnostics

Evidence Based Medicine (EBM), also known as Evidence Based Practice, refers to the deliberate, careful and thorough use of clinical research, review and appraisal to ensure patients receive the best possible clinical care. This module will explore many aspects of evidence-based medicine, introducing public health and policy, drug design, diagnostic screening and epidemiology. The module will also include the wide range of diagnostic tools which are available and used within the health system in the UK.

Project (double)

A Research Project is your chance to do brand new research and find out what it’s really like to be a professional scientist – gathering, considering and evaluating data, then communicating it clearly and critically to others. This is the pinnacle of your degree, working with a supervisor (and possibly others) to collect novel scientific data about a specific topic. You are likely to use a range of theoretical, experimental and/or bioinformatics methods or you may use tools such as data mining, patient or volunteer surveys, questionnaires and other forms of investigative research.

Projects allow you to make the transition from student to professional, building on all you have learned to develop and practice a range of superior skills and abilities. Working largely independently you will gather, analyse and present your findings, and argue your conclusions to others in a clear and well-written formal report.

Clinical Biochemistry

This module aims to discuss the role and fate of drugs within the body.  The twin aspects of the module are the study of pharmacodynamics (effectively, what drugs do to the body) and pharmacokinetics (what happens when the body metabolises those drugs).  Pharmacodynamics includes the consideration of specific molecular targets of drug action and the therapeutic and toxic effects of drugs on cells and on the major organ systems of the body. Pharmacokinetics will discuss how drugs reach their targets and how they are cleared from the body by the action of key enzymes. Natural diversity (polymorphisms) in the genes encoding some of the key metabolic enzymes will also be discussed, as influencing the value, toxicity and stability of drugs in different individuals. Drug discovery and clinical trials will also be introduced.

Clinical Pharmacology

This module aims to discuss the role and fate of drugs within the body.  The twin aspects of the module are the study of pharmacodynamics (effectively, what drugs do to the body) and pharmacokinetics (what happens when the body metabolises those drugs).  Pharmacodynamics includes the consideration of specific molecular targets of drug action and the therapeutic and toxic effects of drugs on cells and on the major organ systems of the body. Pharmacokinetics will discuss how drugs reach their targets and how they are cleared from the body by the action of key enzymes. Natural diversity (polymorphisms) in the genes encoding some of the key metabolic enzymes will also be discussed, as influencing the value, toxicity and stability of drugs in different individuals. Drug discovery and clinical trials will also be introduced.

Independent Study in Life Sciences

This module involves an extended study (normally library-based) of a topic of the student's choosing that is relevant to their degree but that was not formally as part of the taught course. The topic will normally extend the learning achieved in your 2nd year and focus on a specific area of interest. Students will work independently, with support given by a supervising member of staff in the form of tutorials where progress is reviewed and discussed. Much of the student's effort will typically involve library-searching, reading, reviewing, assimilation and synthesis of material for preparing an extended essay reviewing and critiquing the chosen topic. 

Infection, Immunity and Immunology

Infection, Immunity and Immunology is an honours level module that will build on knowledge from your 2nd year modules, to understand infectious disease caused by viruses, bacteria and parasites in a host and the response of the host’s immune system. The pathogen-host interaction, molecular mechanisms of pathogenicity, treatment and drug resistance will be studied. The theory of modern infectious disease diagnostics and the role of the medical microbiology laboratory in infectious disease diagnosis and identification will also be explored. You will also study the mechanisms of immunological disease and disorders such as allergies, immunodeficiency and autoimmunity.

Molecular Biology of Cancer

The module will explore our current understanding of the molecular mechanisms that underlie human cancer and explore some of the possible therapeutic targets and treatments. Understanding the molecular and cellular basis of disease is vital for dissecting the mechanisms of disease pathogenesis and for designing appropriate and effective treatments.

Molecular Medicine

This module is designed to provide a background to the endeavour of scientific research, and forms a fundamental stage in your development as a bioscientist.  Research moves forward through the application of the scientific method, helping us to design suitable experiments to investigate relationships among natural phenomenon, or to solve a medical or technical problem. A number of important concepts and practices are required for performing research in such a way that the results are reliable and meaningful.  These will be explored within the module, building on your earlier learning and preparing you for your own research project, which is part of your final year.

Neuroscience (double)

Neuroscience uses skills and knowledge from physiology, anatomy, molecular biology, physics, medicine, psychology, mathematics, computing and even philosophy, to understand how the brain gives rise to behaviour and consciousness. The module begins by exploring the structure and function of the brain at the molecular, cellular and anatomical level, including development of the brain, motorsensory function and the phenomenon of adult neurogenesis. We will then consider in depth a range of specific functions of the brain, such as learning and memory, speech and language, motor control, vision, sleep and chronicity..

Pathophysiology (double)

The module explores the physiological mechanisms of disease states that disrupt the normal functioning of the respiratory, cardiovascular, endocrine, renal and neural systems. You will learn from lecturers who are actively engaged in cutting edge research or are highly experienced practicing physicians in the fields of respiratory and cardiovascular diseases. In addition the content will include a review of dyspnoea (breathlessness) and angina (chest pain) as the cardinal symptoms of cardiopulmonary disease and recent advances in our knowledge of the neurophysiological mechanisms of these symptoms that has led to an exploration of new therapeutic approaches.

Science and Humanity

The module draws students to consider the impact that science has had on all aspects of our lives, aiming to set that influence in its social and historical context. We will address alternative views of the world, how they have been developed or replaced in the context of science and have a clear look at the strengths and weaknesses of a scientific world view. Ideas about the value of other life forms will be explored and environmental philosophy will be discussed. In this light we will discuss some of the modern contentious ideas and possibilities, such as Genetic Modification, organic farming, fracking, stem cell research, manipulation of the human genome and designer babies. The political, economic and moral context of the current environmental crisis will be discussed.

Genomic Medicine

The aim of this module is to reflect on the growth of genetic analysis  as part of healthcare diagnostics, treatment and monitoring. As technologies advance, the ability to use whole genome data offers clinicians more information on the pathology of diseases, but at a cost of being much more complex. This module sets out to inform the key areas in this field, and how it can be used in practise in healthcare.

Building on your knowledge (from 2nd year modules) of genome structure and function, the module will look at the levels of genomic variation across patient groups and populations, and how this may be linked with disease. Themes will include epigenetics, population studies, the ethical issues surrounding genetic testing and personalised medicine.  We will use bioinformatic tools used in medicine and research today for the reading of genome sequence data and how it might be used to predict or identify disease.

Work Experience

The ‘Work Experience’ module is a supervised work-based learning experience. You will spend a minimum of 60 hours in a working environment that is relevant to your future career path. By learning how to reflect on your learning and professional development, and how to present your insights, you will develop useful skills for your future job applications. 

Previously, our students have worked in research labs, hospitals, industry, charities, science communication and schools. You will be expected to arrange your work experience for yourself, but you will receive support and advice for this from staff in the Department and within the University’s Careers Service centre.